Analog computer does math

This analog computer can multiply, divide, square numbers, and find square roots. It has a maximum result of ten billion with an average precision of 2-3%. [Miroslav’s] build recreates something he saw in a Popular Electronics magazine. It uses a resistor network made up of three potentiometers with a digital multimeter is an integral part of the machine. To multiply a number you set the needles on the first two knobs to the numbers on which you are operating. To find the result turn the third knob until the multimeter has been zeroed out and read the value that knob is pointing to. It seems much more simple than some of the discrete logic computers we’ve seen, yet it’s just as interesting.

I had seen similar plans when I was younger but could never find them once I got old enough to respect the concept of analog computers. Building one of these with some nice dials and analog meter would make a nice desk conversation piece.

My dad helped me build one of these with an analog meter and hand lettered scales for a grade school science fair project (late 60’s). I don’t remember where the schematic came from. I think it was a book that had like 100 science fair ideas in it. I remember going to a local electronics store to get the right type and resistance potentiometers.

Ten turn pots with counter dials and a big turn of the last century meter, would take it over the top. Brass, walnut, and ebonite. True steampunk! Two or three figure accuracy could be had. This tech 100+ years ago aimed the big guns on dreadnaughts.